Update at 10:55 a.m. Jan 22 from the Asheville Police Department:
The Asheville Police Department has charged Michael Eugene Greenarch, Jr., a serial sexual offender, in the kidnapping and sexual assaults of two women in the River Arts District on Jan. 20.In addition, information that was discovered by detectives during yesterday’s investigation led to Greenarch being charged with a forcible sexual offense that occurred in September of 2017.Greenarch has been a registered sexual offender since 2000. His criminal history includes convictions for indecent liberties with a child (2000) and indecent exposure (2005).Michael Eugene Greenarch (45), of Clyde, is currently being held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility on a $550,834 secured bond. He has been charged with:
Press release from Asheville Police Department:
At 11 a.m. on January 20, the Asheville Police Department (APD) received a report of an attempted kidnapping on Ralph Street. When officers arrived they spoke with the victim who said that a male driving an SUV forced her into his vehicle. While inside the vehicle the suspect pulled out a large knife and attempted to assault her. Fortunately the victim was able to escape without any physical injuries.
Approximately 15 minutes later, the APD responded to a call on Emma Road near the French Broad River regarding a sexual assault. The victim in that case told officers that she was also forced in an SUV by a male. While inside the vehicle the suspect assaulted the victim. Fortunately the victim in this case was also able to escape.
Detectives began an investigation and determined that the two incidents are related and are committed by the same suspect. The suspect was described by the victims as a white male, in his 40s or 50s, with a gray, thin beard, dark brown/graying hair, approximately 5′ 8″ tall, and having barbed wire tattoos on both wrists. He was described as wearing dark blue work-type pants, a flannel jacket, and a black baseball cap. Both victims described the vehicle as being an SUV, possibly gold or gray in color.
The APD is seeking the assistance of the public to identify the suspect, who should be considered armed and dangerous. If anyone has information concerning the identity of the suspect. or has knowledge that could assist with his apprehension, they are encouraged to contact the APD at 828-252-1110, or by submitting an anonymous tip. You may do so by using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
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